outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt 

often attributive

: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient

Examples of outpatient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All of the operations were supposed to be outpatient procedures, WTVF reported. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

The goal is to add robotic technology without turning a familiar outpatient procedure into something completely different. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

When released, they are sent to a PATHways program, a 12-week outpatient program providing patients with continuity of care. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026

There's often a critical gap between inpatient and outpatient care. — John Samuels, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outpatient

• impatient
• inpatient
• patient

Kids Definition

outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt 

: a patient who visits a hospital for diagnosis or treatment without staying overnight compare inpatient

Medical Definition

outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt 

: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient